Charlie'S Delights
Delightful layered graham cracker bars with coconut and nut fillings, topped with creamy lemon icing—perfect for satisfying sweet cravings at gatherings or casual treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line the bottom of a 10 x 15-inch cookie sheet with whole graham crackers.
- Mix together 1 cup margarine, sugar, milk, and egg. Bring to a full boil and remove from heat.
- Add graham cracker crumbs, chopped walnuts or pecans, and shredded coconut to the mixture.
- Spread the mixture over the graham crackers in the pan; cover with a second layer of Honey Graham crackers.
- Mix together 1/2 cup margarine, powdered sugar, and juice of one lemon to make the icing.
- Spread the icing over the layered graham crackers.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Cut into small bar shapes. Bars may be frozen.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer taste, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a nut-free version, substitute the walnuts or pecans with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. Ensure to bring the mixture to a full boil to achieve the right consistency. Adding a dash of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor profile. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of shredded coconut for varied sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful bars chilled or at room temperature as a sweet treat after meals. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For an extra touch, drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce. Consider serving alongside fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast. These bars are perfect for potlucks or as a sweet ending to your Sausage And Egg Brunch Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Charlie's Delights in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you prefer to keep them longer, freeze the cut bars individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Charlie'S Delights contains roughly 1715 calories, with 21g protein, 253g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (62% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the egg in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture for a vegan option. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. This will help bind the ingredients just like an egg.
What can I use instead of Honey Graham crackers?
If you can't find Honey Graham crackers, you can use plain graham crackers or even digestive biscuits. For a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free graham crackers. The flavor will slightly differ, but the overall texture will still hold up well in the recipe.
How do I make the icing thicker?
To thicken the icing, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of milk or lemon juice. This allows you to adjust the icing to perfectly complement your Charlie's Delights.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).